Rochester vinyl scene: Here's what to expect from Record Store Day on April 20

It has been called a holiday for music devotees. Record Store Day is a time to celebrate artists, vinyl and other platforms and community.

At Record Archive in Rochester, it does seem like a special day. This year, it falls on April 20 and the store has huge plans.

The store owners were part of the founding of the day, said Alayna Alderman, vice president of the classic hometown business. "We've been doing this a long time, simply for the sheer love and passion for the music," she said.

Alderman has connections throughout the independent record store sector in America and sees the day as a way to connect with audiences of all ages and musical tastes. In their store, they have a quarter million vinyl records, and much more. They sell in person but also online.

Vinyl is back in a big way

Record Archive has been riding the wave of the resurgence of interest in vinyl records. The timing of events like the April 19 release of a new Taylor Swift album and a new record from Pearl Jam don't hurt.

"We are finally reaping the benefit of those lean years" buying records every single day and stocking the store inventory, Alderman said. "Record Store Day has helped this whole thing mushroom and it has finally reached mainstream America, mainstream media. It's sexy. And it's not a trend that will fade away."

The store will open an hour early, at 9 a.m., on Saturday for the events.

"When I come around the corner and see the line of people waiting to get in, I still get goosebumps," she said. "I'm like, Oh my God — look at all these people waiting to come into my little store!"

Which other Rochester-area stores are hosting Record Store Day events?

Other stores in the region that will be celebrating Record Store Day:

HI FI LOUNGE

Mark Kaidy, owner, said the Hi Fi Lounge at 1822 Monroe Ave. will be celebrating Record Store Day. "We're opening early," he said. "We'll have a good selection of limited edition records. ... My wife is making hors d'oeuvres." It is their busiest day of the year by far.

HOUSE OF GUITARS

At House of Guitars, there will be live music and a party. Store hours this Saturday? 9 a.m.-9 p.m. "The line will be out the door bc we have a lot of collectors," said Linda Schaubroeck, who works at House of Guitars at times. Her husband, Armand, and his brother Bruce own the store. "It will be non-stop, all day, with music and food and meeting up with friends."

NEEDLE DROP RECORDS

Needle Drop Records will open at 9 on Saturday. "It's always a great day for us," said Russ Torregiano, owner. Part of the appeal is that a record store is a throwback, a classic. But also popular with a new generation. Torregiano said people ask him, How do you still sell records? "They still make them!" he said. "We're doing it for the passion of it. ... It slows everything down. You can't skip through the tracks. You have to pay attention." Needle Drop is at 1780 Monroe Ave. in Brighton. It is a bigger space than they used to be at.

CANANDAIGUA RECORD EXCHANGE

Jon Cooley, owner at Canandaigua Record Exchange, said they open at 9 on Saturday for Record Store Day. And he said the lake watershed association and downtown BID are doing Earth Day event. He also is teaming with CMAC and doing a ticket giveaway.

William Ramsey is an editor with the Democrat and Chronicle and USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Record Store Day 2024: Here's what to expect on April 20